PID question

[GRHunter]

Can a single PID (Auber SYL-2352) control two heating elements in a single kettle?

 

[dtfeld]

Absolutely. But likely you'll need 2 SSRs wired in parallel each sized for the element it controls

 

[wyzazz]

Or a dual-ssr.

 

[audger]

...or one single SSR rated to switch the combined power of the two elements

 

[Malintent]

To be clear... it can fire as many elements as you want using an array of SSRs slaved to the single SSR output, but it only accepts one temperature probe input.

 

[onthekeg]

To be clear... it can fire as many elements as you want using an array of SSRs slaved to the single SSR output, but it only accepts one temperature probe input.

Would that be a plethora?

 

[jkarp]

To be clear... it can fire as many elements as you want using an array of SSRs slaved to the single SSR output, but it only accepts one temperature probe input.

To be clearer: it can fire as many SSRs as the PID can source. The 2352 can source up to 30mA which is typically 2 SSRs max.

 

[onthekeg]

Unless it fires 1 SSR that in turn fires a plethora of other SSR's

 

[jkarp]

Unless it fires 1 SSR that in turn fires a plethora of other SSR's

Problematic without the application of additional bleeder resistance. The leakage current of an SSR may also be sufficient to cause the others to turn on randomly.

 

[conpewter]

You probably are under 40 amps, so I'd just get 1 40 amp SSR and wire both elements through that. Have a good heatsink on it. If you are using 5500 W elements or something like that you'll need 2 SSRs or a bigger SSR.

 

[onthekeg]

Problematic without the application of additional bleeder resistance. The leakage current of an SSR may also be sufficient to cause the others to turn on randomly.

Ok, and a resistor between the PID controlled SSR and the other SSR's on the elements. :cross:

 

[onthekeg]

You probably are under 40 amps, so I'd just get 1 40 amp SSR and wire both elements through that. Have a good heatsink on it. If you are using 5500 W elements or something like that you'll need 2 SSRs or a bigger SSR.

I run a 5500w with 1 SSR. I have a 40amp. I have another SSR for the other element. But, I best keep my mouth shut.

 

[jkarp]

Ok, and a resistor between the PID controlled SSR and the other SSR's on the elements. :cross:

Not quite.

Bottom line for the OP is, yes, the PID can easily drive two SSRs. I've not seen a brewing setup where more than two needed to be driven simultaneously, but if the situation arose, there are much better, more cost-effective ways to do so than cascading SSRs.